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Developing strong clinician researchers is essential to improving outcomes for people living with blood cancer. At the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG), this commitment extends beyond running world-class clinical trials – it includes investing in the next generation of researchers who will lead future blood cancer research and breakthroughs. One of the key ways that ALLG supports researchers is through the Early Career Clinician Researcher (ECCR) Program.

What is the ECCR Program?

The ECCR program allows early career participants to directly engage and receive mentorship from ALLG’s Scientific Advisory Committee and all governance activities. This allows them to gain first-hand experience of the processes that shape investigator-initiated clinical trials, from concept to protocol review and trial oversight.

It is designed for ALLG members who are trainees, registrars, fellows and junior consultants, eager to expand their knowledge in blood cancer research and contribute to ALLG’s mission of improving patient outcomes across Australia and New Zealand. The ECCR Program demonstrates how blood cancer research translates into improved patient care and offers a range of benefits that support both professional and long-term research engagement.

This 2-year program offers:

• Mentorship & Networking – Engage directly with Scientific Advisory Committee and learn from ALLG leaders
• Practical Expose to Blood Cancer Clinical Trials – Gain exposure to the design, conduct and oversight of clinical trials and gain pathways to clinical research leadership
• Career Development – Contribute to current and future blood cancer clinical trial research

Insights from ECCR Participants

Dr Adrian Minson

Graduate ALLG ECCR Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC

“The ECCR program provided me with a hands-on, comprehensive and practical apprenticeship in running clinical trials, and really helped me to understand how to maximise research impact through a co-operative group.”

“I was able to maintain a central role in a key project (NHL38) which has both provided patients with access to novel therapies and helped progress my experience as a clinical trialist. It is a highly worthy program, and one that I would recommend to any aspiring clinician researcher.”

Dr Yin Yuan

Graduate ALLG ECCR Program Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD

“During my haematology training, I had the opportunity to be involved in several ALLG trials as a sub-investigator, which helped me appreciate the importance of clinical research and trials.”

“One of the gaps in my knowledge and experience was clinical trial development, conduct and governance. The ALLG’s Early Career Clinician Researcher Program has given me the opportunity to get involved with and understand these processes better, network with peers, and be mentored by senior experienced colleagues.”

Why the ECCR Program is Important

Blood cancer clinical trials are critical to advancing treatment options as we aim for Better treatments…Better lives for people with blood cancer. Sustaining high-quality research is dependent on investing in and mentoring the next generation of clinician-researchers and ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to advance today’s research tomorrow.

As the only not-for-profit clinical trials blood cancer group in Australia and New Zealand, ALLG has had extensive impact on blood cancer treatments for more than 50 years, playing a unique role in leading research and building the capabilities of those who deliver it. Initiatives like the ECCR Program accelerate this legacy by supporting early-career clinicians to engage with cooperative group research, develop critical clinical blood cancer research skills and become future trial leaders.

You can help support our research, as we aim for a world where all blood cancers can be treated effectively, and even cured.